Wednesday, September 21, 2005

A missed phone call and small town devastation

As I left Jackson, MS yesterday afternoon headed about 100 miles south to go to a funeral, I decided that I would get my camera out, as I knew that I would see lots and lots of Katrina damage.

I also thought that I would log on to yahoo instant messenger, just in case I lost phone service, I would at least have some communication. I had not been logged on any time, when I hear that little tone that lets you know that you have a message. Yes it was Michael. He had tried to call my cell phone, and all he got was a busy signal. He tried calling the house, and no answer there either, but at least he left a message, and yes I have listened to it now three times. I will be so glad when they get all the cell phone towers back up after the hurricane. My cell phone should never be busy, and of all times for it to be, is when he is trying to call. I hate missing his call. Thank goodness for IM.

I was instant messenging with Michael for the first 30 minutes of my trip, and trying to snap pictures all at the same time. Finally lost service and communication with him at some point in the middle of nowhere.

As I made my way through the back roads of Mississippi, I realized that a lot of the area that I was passing through still had no power. I saw power trucks everywhere. I was speechless as I saw most of the devastation. I don't think that I have ever in my life seen such. I stopped several times along the way to take several pictures, and even had the opportunity to speak with a lady, that seemed to be in her 70's. She was kind enough to let me take pictures of what was left of her beautiful yard, and even invited me in for a glass of luke warm water, as she put it. She was going on her 22 day without power and had just had her telephone restored on Monday. I just thought that we had it bad further north, but I was wrong.

I thought that I would share a few pictures of the oh so kind lady's yard. She amazed me with her upbeat attitude and her beautiful smile that was on her face, after all she had been through. She told me that she had actually enjoyed the peice and quiet, and was able to sit back and appreciate the smaller thing in life. Thanks Mrs. Hattie for allowing me to take these pictures, and sharing a part of your life with me.



























8 comments:

Call Me Grandma said...

Oh wow! I really feel for those people.
Isn't that how it always happens. The call comes when you can't get it. Murphy's law is always at work. Glad you got to instant message him, though.

Katy said...

I am sorry you missed his call, but I am glad you got some communication. We had a really bad flood in Texas when Clint and I got married. It is amazing the damage nature can do. I was just in ahhh, just as I am sure you were. I feel so bad for those people.

Melinda said...

Sorry you missed his call, but hope the IM allowed you to "chat" a little.

Those photos are amazing!

Some Soldier's Mom said...

well, if you'd been there to take the call, you wouldn't have gotten to listen to him tell you over and over how he loves you!! (so that's the silver lining)

and I think we sometimes forget just how much work it is to put the many hundreds of miles of lines and poles up after the trees come down (hurricane, tornado, ice storm...: first the trees have to be cut up and moved, then the holes have to be dug for the new poles, the poles set and THEN the wires connected for MILES before the switch can be thrown to turn on the juice -- all all these guys working around high power must have sleep and food so as to not extend the tragedy...

and hats off to Miss Hattie and the Spirit that Made America Great (no whining could be heard!)

pebblepie said...

Oh the dreaded "Missed Call"...

I can really feel for you on that.

Have you seen what happened to Sure Fire at Pass The Brass?

I took my soldier child's blog OFF my blogroll...

I have not been in the deep south for many years, but I do remember how beautiful it was.
Running into complete strangers, who happen to be the nicest people, is always a joy to me.

Pebble

Al's Girl said...

Thanks for the wonderful pics, Stacy. Miss Hattie sounds like a wonderful person. I am also sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers!

RebeccaMcCormick said...

OUCH@!$)#Y&
I've missed Wayne's calls before; there's no feeling so gut-smashing.

Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your love and support, too.

R

NannyKaren said...

n0w Rita headed back Lousiana in texas!

hope you do NOT get it again!



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